Top-Tier Screenwriting Scholarships for 2023 (In Order)

Looking to make your mark in the screenwriting industry? Well, you've come to the right place! Here's a fresh take on the top screenwriting fellowships for 2023 that'll help you sharpen your skills and make those all-important industry connections.

1. The Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting - Presented by none other than the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the folks responsible for the Oscars, this prestigious fellowship is a dream for any amateur screenwriter. If you're lucky enough to be one of the five winners, you'll get a $35,000 cash prize, a fancy invite to Los Angeles for a week-long residency, and the chance to rub shoulders with industry professionals and attend workshops and networking events. Past winners have included Ehren Kruger (Top Gun: Maverick), Destin Daniel Cretton (Short Term 12), and Allison Schroeder (Hidden Figures). The application usually takes place in the spring, so start polishing your script now!

2. The Sundance Screenwriters Lab - This artsy little workshop not only focuses on the art of screenwriting but also directing. Sundance selects a handful of writers each year to make their home in Utah for the duration of the program, where they receive feedback, attend workshops, and work on their scripts under the guidance of experienced mentors and industry pros. Who knows, the next Ryan Coogler (Black Panther) or Cary Fukunaga (True Detective) could be among this year's participants! Applications are typically available online in mid-May.

3. The Disney General Entertainment Writing Program - If you've got dreams of becoming a television writer, look no further! This program offers an exclusive opportunity for eight emerging writers to learn the ropes from the best in the business, right at the heart of one of the world's largest media companies. You'll take part in intensive workshops, have access to top showrunners, and attend weekly seminars and meetings hosted by industry pros. Many alumni have gone on to successful writing careers, with credits on current Disney/ABC series like Grey's Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, and This Is Us. You'll find more information exclusively on their Facebook page.

4. WBD Access (formerly known as WBTV Writers' Workshop) - If you're an aspiring writer looking to further your career, this program is a great choice. For over 40 years, the Warner Bros. Television Writers' Workshop has been the go-to program for new writers. Now, it's back in a new form: WBD Access. This program offers top-notch talent development programs, mentorship, placement opportunities, and industry exposure. It's perfect for developing writers looking to make a name for themselves in the industry. Many alumni have gone on to secure staff positions on Warner Bros-produced television shows. Check out the full list of programs on their website.

5. The NBC Launch / TV Writers Program - Designed with diverse storytelling in mind, this renowned program aims to nurture the next generation of creators. The eight-month program selects writers from underrepresented communities to take part. You'll create and workshop an original pilot with programming executives, attending weekly workshops focused on developing your writing skills and learning the ins and outs of the business of television. At the program's conclusion, you'll have complete materials for submissions and staffing consideration. Apply online through May, and don't forget to showcase your unique voice!

Looking for more fellowships? Keep reading, because there's plenty more where that came from!

Wanna know a little more about these fellowships? Here's a quick breakdown for some extra context:

The Nicholl Fellowship hones in on amateur writers looking for their big break in Hollywood.
The Sundance Screenwriters Lab focuses on both screenwriting and directing, providing a supportive environment for writers to develop their scripts.
The Disney General Entertainment Writing Program is perfect for aspiring television writers, offering training from industry experts at a leading media company.
WBD Access caters to underrepresented talent, providing valuable industry exposure, mentorship, and placement opportunities.
The NBC Launch / TV Writers Program is dedicated to fostering diverse storytelling, with a focus on creating and workshopping an original pilot.

So what are you waiting for? Get those scripts ready and start applying to these fantastic fellowships today! Good luck, and happy writing!

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Sources:[1] Sundance Institute - Sundance Screenwriters Lab[2] Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting[3] Fade In Magazine - 2023 Fade In Screenwriting Fellowship[4] Sesame Workshop - Sesame Street Writers’ Room Fellowship[5] Stage 32 - Stage 32 New Voices in Animation Screenwriting Contest

Studying screenwriting can greatly impact your lifestyle and career in the entertainment industry, providing not only a platform for self-development but also opportunities for education and networking. Outstanding fellowships like The Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting, The Sundance Screenwriters Lab, The Disney General Entertainment Writing Program, WBD Access, and The NBC Launch / TV Writers Program offer valuable industry exposure, mentorship, and the chance to refine your skills. These fellowships, unlike traditional education, also offer unique networking opportunities with industry professionals. As you immerse yourself in these programs, you'll not only learn the art of screenwriting but also contribute to an ever-evolving industry that relies on creative, diverse storytelling.